The Internet of [Mission-Critical] Things
Iocast is a deployable LPWAN that connects sensors and other low-energy objects to backend systems using private industrial/business radio channels. Compared to other LPWAN solutions, this increases range, safeguards against interference, and removes dependency on cellular networks.
An Iocast network includes a Linux-based control stack, base transceivers, and nodes (sensors and other objects with embedded transceivers). Nodes interface to an embedded Iocast transceiver using the Iocast NXI, while application servers connect to the network and communicate with their nodes using the Iocast API.
Iocast features a carrier-grade MAC layer and 128-bit encryption. Applications include security, human presence detection, asset tracking, public safety, mining, manufacturing, and other missions requiring long range, low power, security, and high reliability. An Iocast system can concurrently support multiple application servers and multiple applications ranging from a few nodes to millions of nodes.
Compared to ISM and cellular approaches, Iocast offers a unique combination of reliability, security, scalability, and cost for mission-critical IoT.
More Info
Benefits at a Glance
- Flexible use of narrowband channels
- Synchronous, deterministic protocol with carrier-grade MAC layer
- Variable latency and power consumption configurable per node
- Unicast and multicast datagrams
- 10-mile (nominal) coverage radius per base transceiver
- Node mobility and secure roaming
- Node authentication and security using shared-key AES-128 encryption
- Hundreds to millions of nodes per base transceiver
How does IOCAST work?
An Invalid download ID. system includes an Iocast Control Stack running on a Linux server, one or more base transceivers, and multiple nodes. The control stack provides the Iocast API to back-end application servers, and it coordinates and controls base and node transceivers as per the Iocast Air Interface.
Each node includes a node transceiver, either a discrete module implementing the Node Transceiver Interface (NXI), or a tightly integrated firmware/hardware solution. Nodes are configured to optimize energy consumption and packet latency for their specific mission.
Iocast operates on dedicated channel pairs using private or commercial frequencies. Use of licensed channels prevents interference from other systems and protects capital investment.
Additional Information
- Iocast Overview
- Iocast NXI (Node Transceiver Interface)
- Iocast API
- Iocast Air Interface
Frequently asked questions
A good comparison of narrowband versus wideband systems is available here.